Checkpoint Systems Inc., of Thorofare, NJ, USA, a manufacturer of identification, tracking, security, and merchandising systems for the retail industry and its supply chain, has introduced the Evolve family of labels. Described as dual-function EAS-EPC labels for security and inventory management applications, they integrate electronic article surveillance (EAS) and radio frequency identification (RFID), and are designed to help retailers improve inventory visibility at case and item level, while at the same time maximizing the benefits of their EAS security systems.

“With the introduction of the Evolve labels, we are now able to provide our customers with a product that combines the benefits of both EAS and EPC functionality into one small, integrated label,” says George Off, Checkpoint CEO.  “With Evolve EAS-EPC labels, our customers can leverage their investments in RF-EAS systems, while capitalizing on the benefits of RFID for improved inventory management and visibility across their supply chains. Ultimately, that’s good for the consumer as it leads to better merchandise availability.”

“As products move through the supply chain, on-shelf availability is negatively impacted by theft, damage and paperwork errors,” he explains. “The combined functionality of the Evolve labels provide the benefits of EAS theft deterrence and EPC inventory visibility. We believe this new labeling solution represents a very practical way forward for retailers, providing them with a flexible and incremental approach to change, at a pace with which they are comfortable.”

The patent-pending Evolve labels operate in the UHF band of 860 to 960 MHz for the additional advantage of traceability, and at 8.2 MHz for RF-EAS systems. Checkpoint’s technical expertise and innovative manufacturing processes enable the company to combine a Gen 2-compliant product and EAS circuit, Off says. As an added benefit, the EAS performance is significantly enhanced. The UHF antenna incorporates the use of Impinj Monza silicon and allows the ability to track information at a greater read distance at the receiving dock doors and onto the sales floor. The Evolve labels can be used in conjunction with existing Checkpoint RF EAS systems and are Gen 2 compliant to work with Checkpoint’s UHF portals or any certified Gen 2 reader and antenna hardware.